tears are turned into dancing, darkness is turned into light, and hope carries us on wings like eagles.

So come into this time of worship.

This is where burdened souls find a cup of cool water and tired hearts are lifted high.

God is always doing a new thing,

in the world and in each of us. God is full of miracles and surprises. Let us rejoice and be glad!

*Opening Prayer

*Hymn #716 “God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending”

Call to Confession

Prayer of Confession

Merciful God, hold us close and change our hearts.

We have come of age in a time of achievement and advancement. We are fluent in the language of comparison and competition. We prioritize those who have more to give, we fight to finish first, we step over those who move slower.

We work ourselves to the bone, afraid to let up for even a moment.

We listen to the lie that bigger is better.

We have heard your words:

The first shall be last, and the last shall be first…

If you have faith as small as a mustard seed…

Do not be afraid…

We have heard your words, but we struggle to believe they could be true. Convince us, we pray.

Next week Katherine Smith will be preaching as John is away. Katherine currently serves as Assistant Dean for Admissions, Vocation, and Stewardship at Vanderbilt Divinity School. A native of Nashville who grew up attending Westminster Presbyterian Church, Katherine graduated with an A.B. in English Literature from Princeton University and a Master of Divinity from Duke Divinity School. An ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA), Katherine is happily living out her call to do vocational discernment with those exploring theological education and Christian ministry. She is married to Bart Smith, Director of Development for Vanderbilt Athletics. They have two children, Eleanor (4) and Evelyn (2).

Children’s Worship: Children’s worship helps children ages 3 through 2nd grade explore Bible units through hands-on, age appropriate, experiential activities that are designed to engage them while also instilling faith formation. We meet upstairs every Sunday following the Time with Children. Today’s story is Joseph's Dream, God's Grace - Genesis 37:1-11 (Help children recognize God's grace through their hopes and dreams.) Next week’s story is Joseph in the Well - Genesis 37:12-36; 39:1-2 (Help children recognize the kinds of choices that separate people from God and one another.)

Upwards is a learning experience for 3rd through 5th graders that alternates weekly between meeting as a group and a clipboard activity. Growing in Grace and Gratitude is this year’s theme. This week will be a group activity upstairs. If you have any questions, ask Kelly McConnell at ebpcyouth@comcast.net.

Welcome to East Brentwood

To Our Members: East Brentwood gladly welcomes first-time and returning visitors. By introducing yourself and sharing a warm greeting, you express the hospitality of our congregation. Please share a smile and welcoming word to those around you.

To Our Guests: We offer education and fellowship opportunities in the mornings and evenings for children, youth and adults. Please see the Calendar of Events for dates and times. Interested in joining East Brentwood? Speak to John Hilley or Ashley Purcell.

East Brentwood Presbyterian Church is a community church made up of a loving, welcoming family of believers in honest conversation with God. We seek to emulate the ministry of Jesus through compassionate service, with stimulating and relevant exploration of God’s Word, and by sharing that Word and God’s many blessings with our neighbors in Middle Tennessee and around the world.

Announcements

Scott & Gabby Dannemiller to speak about Scott’s new book, A Year Without A Purchase, at EBPC this Thursday, November 12th at 6:30 p.m. Hear how the Dannemiller’s went a year without a nonessential purchase and dealt with the challenges of gift-giving, childrearing, and keeping up with the Joneses. With Christmas nearly upon us, this talk could not be more timely! It is being cosponsored by the Church and the Preschool Parent Teacher Organization.

Join Us at the W.E.L.L.

(Wednesdays: Eating, Learning, Loving)

for dinner, kids’ activities, and spiritual nourishment. Church members, preschool families, and guests are welcome! Meals are $5 per person, with a $15 max per family. Please RSVP by Monday by going to the church’s website or the e-newsletter so we will know how much food to prepare. This week’s meal will be lasagna and salad.

Wednesday night programming Schedule:

(Stay after dinner and join us!)

5:30 Dinner

6:00 Music & Drama Club for Middle & High School

6:08 Middle School Gathering (608)

6:30 Kids' Music & Drama Club

6:30 Adult Learning Circle

7:00 Adult Choir

*At 6:15, Elizabeth does a short lesson the first Wednesday of each month on various topics such as Earth Day, being a kind friend at school, International Peace Day, summer safety tips, etc.

Giving to the church through your will or trust is the most common way to continue your support beyond your lifetime. When your estate is prepared, consider a gift to the church. For more information contact Amy Gallager at amygeoff@gmail.com or (615) 496-4962.

Kids' Music and Drama Club is off and running with about 20 kids atpractice. It is for children 3 years thru 5th grade and occurs on Wednesday nights from 6:30-7 pm. A new session for middle & high schoolers was added from 6:00-6:30. EBPC Music Director Nate Strasser teaches children about music in a fun and engaging way and is preparing them for the church Christmas pageant! Contact: Nate Strasser, Music Director at EBPC: ebpcmusic@comcast.net.

Red Cross Blood Drive: The blood drive is scheduled for Sunday, December 20th, at the church from 8:30 – 12:30. Our goal is to have 30 donors. So far, we have eight. As the holiday season approaches, there will, unfortunately, be an increase in the need for blood. Please consider giving. Appointment sheets will be in the narthex every Sunday starting November 1st. More details to follow. Contact: Richard White.

Tis the Season to Give Thanks and Help Others: EBPC has committed to supply a turkey and the "fixins" for 50 College Grove Food Closet recipients. We have less than two weeks to fill up the almost empty tubs in the Gathering Place and provide a real Thanksgiving feast for those less fortunate. To fulfill our commitment, we need a concentrated effort from everyone. Here is what we need: green beans, cut corn, sweet potatoes (canned), cranberry sauce, pumpkin or other pie filling, gravy, cream of mushroom soup, fried onions, stuffing mix and baking mix (like Bisquik). Turkeys should be in the 10-12 pound range and can be delivered to the church on Thursday, Nov. 19 from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Please sign-up in the Gathering Place with the number of turkeys you are donating and your phone number. If you would like to give a cash donation, please make your checks payable to EBPC and put College Grove Thanksgiving in the memo line. Contact Mary Ellen Hofstetter at (615) 376-5332 with any questions.A big Thank You to all of our preschool children and parents who generously donated applesauce and fruit cups to the Food Closet for this month's service project. We received a huge amount. We are definitely covered on those items for our Thanksgiving commitment. Thank you again!

Calendar Events Coming This Week ~ At a Glance

Sunday, November 8

9:00 am Adult Education

10:00 am Worship

4:30 pm Youth Planning Council

5:00 pm PYG

Monday, November 9

11:00 am Staff Meeting

Wednesday, November 11 (Veteran’s Day)

Preschool is closed

5:30 pm Wednesday Night Dinner

6:00 pm Music & Drama Club for Middle & High School

6:08 pm 608 (Middle School Youth)

6:30 pm Kids’ Music & Drama Club

6:30 pm Adult Learning Circle

7:00 pm Choir

Thursday, November 12

6:30 pm Praise Team

Sunday, November 15

9:00 am Adult Education

10:00 am Worship

6:00 pm PYG (High School Youth)

Praise and Prayers

†Prayers for Christina Cross as she moves to Atlanta to be closer to her family.

† Prayers for Kelly’s friend Lisa with cancer, who is in the hospital.

†Prayers of thanksgiving for our preschool teachers and staff and for the children who attend.

†Prayers for all who struggle with life's challenges.

† Prayers for Marilyn Johnson, who is at Southerland.

† Continued prayers for recovery and healing for Lily Paris and praise for the progress she has made recently.

† Prayers for Sam, Susan, and Annie Paris as they walk with Lily through this journey.

† Prayers for Carol Dison (Liz Beatty's cousin) and her two-year old granddaughter, Avery. Carol was diagnosed with cervical cancer and needs prayers for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

† Prayers for Jackson Enfinger as he has continued health struggles.

† Prayers for all whose road to recovery seems long.

† Prayers for refugees in Europe.

†Prayers for healing and comfort requested by Leanna Pound (EBPC Nursery) on behalf of Talan Williams, an 8-year-old, who has bone cancer and has undergone treatment. Update: Payers of thanksgiving are in order because his cancer is in remission.

†Prayers for caregivers of family members and for the unspoken burdens and worries loved ones are facing.

† Prayers for those affected by the violence in our world.

If you have a prayer request or celebration that you would like to share, please contact Ralph Comer, Congregational Care moderator

EBPC

East Brentwood Presbyterian Church is a community church made up of a loving, welcoming family of believers in honest conversation with God. We seek to emulate the ministry of Jesus through compassionate service, with stimulating and relevant exploration of God’s Word, and by sharing that Word and God’s many blessings with our neighbors in Middle Tennessee and around the world.